This is the traditional bread of every home in Algeria, hence it’s name which transaltes into English as ‘Bread of the House’. Every home has a different version & this particular recipe is from my lovely sister in law ‘Um Youcef’ 😉 Just a word of warning, if you have never made this kind of bread before, you will be shocked at how sticky & hard to work with the dough is. Unlike a regular bread, when your dough is too sticky you may add more flour – here adding more flour or semolina will make things worse…instead add a little water & knead gently with your fingertips . Water will always make the dough come together & away from your hands & the mixing bowl. You can also knead the dough in a KA or similar mixer with a sturdy dough hook.
There are many, many versions of Basboussa ( and many spelling variations!) throughout the Arab world. Some of these are a spongy cake-like texture & some are more of a grainy texture. This Algerian version is more of a cake-like texture – which happens to be my favourite. I absolutely love the addition of coconut in the recipe, it really adds something to the Basboussa. This recipe is extremely simple to make & is delicious served with coffee or tea. It is definitely a Ramadan staple in our home!
To me Fannie Farmer’s recipe is the only “real” Macaroni & Cheese. It’s from my 1946 edition of “Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking School Cookbook”. With time on it’s side – this recipe is hands down the best for traditional, homemade baked macaroni & cheese – comfort food. Please Note: If you use CHEAP CHEESE you will end up with a BLAND and FLAVORLESS DISH!
I found this recipe in a Mexican cooking magazine called “Panaderia Mexicana Tradicional”. The recipe was originally written in Spanish and the measurements were in grams. I translated the recipe into English and converted the measurements to accomodate the American kitchen. Living in Texas, we have a lot of Mexican bakeries! I love going into the panaderia by the farmer’s market. I love Mexican pastries because they are not too sweet. This cookie is one of my favorites!
This came from Elena Zelayeta’s Elena’s Secrets of Mexican Cooking. She claims, though, that she is not the Elena of the title, but that this is a popular cookie in Mexico. Kids like the nonpareils
